Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ettercap

Medium · Monstrosity · CR 2 · Neutral Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

13 (natural armor)

44 (8d8 + 8)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Strength +2 Dexterity +2 Constitution +1 Intelligence -2 Wisdom +1 Charisma -1

Skills

Perception +3 Stealth +4 Survival +3

Traits

Spider Climb

The ettercap can climb difficult surfaces, including along ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Web Walker

The ettercap ignores movement restrictions caused by webs, and the ettercap knows the location of any other creature in contact with the same web.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+2 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. 5 (1d6 + 2) Piercing damage plus 2 (1d4) Poison damage, and the target has the Poisoned condition until the start of the ettercap's next turn.

Claw

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+2 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. 7 (2d4 + 2) Slashing damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The ettercap makes one Bite attack and one Claw attack.

Web Strand

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 12, one Large or smaller creature the ettercap can see within 30 feet. Failure: The target has the Restrained condition until the web is destroyed (AC 10; HP 5; Vulnerability to Fire damage; Immunity to Bludgeoning, Poison, and Psychic damage).

Bonus Actions

Reel

The ettercap pulls one creature within 30 feet of itself that is Restrained by its Web Strand up to 25 feet straight toward itself.

About Ettercap

Ettercap is a medium monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 44 hit points (derived from 8d8 + 8).

GM Tips: Using Ettercap

2 tips available

When using Ettercap in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.

Player Guide: Facing Ettercap

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 2.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 4 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 600 XP
Hard: 900 XP
Deadly: 1,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Ettercap?: Ettercap has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Ettercap?: Ettercap is a Medium Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.